If you are planning on a trip to Freeport, Florida to follow the Havana AAA All Stars as they play in the Dixie Youth of Florida State Tournament starting Saturday July 13th, here are a few facts that will familiarize you with the area.

The trip from the Havana to the ball park in Freeport takes between 2 to 2-1/2 hours and is approximately 128 miles. You will take I-10 west to Exit 85 then take US331/State Road 83 south until you get to Freeport. As far as lodging goes, you will need to check availability in Defuniak Springs (15 miles from the ballpark), Niceville (22 miles from the ballpark) or possibly Panama City (30-35 miles from the ballpark). Rates can range anywhere from $65 to $175 per night.

If you want to go on the Internet to get exact directions to the ballpark the address is Freeport Regional Sports Complex 563 Hammock Trail East, Freeport, Florida.

The Havana AAA All Stars will arrive in the Freeport area Friday afternoon, July 12th.

They will attend an Opening Ceremonies Banquet at 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time at the Freeport Middle School, 360 Kylea Laird Drive, Freeport. There are other activities planned at the ballpark after the banquet/team meal. The banquet is mandatory for team coaches and players and they are required to wear their All Star uniforms. Freeport would appreciate each team’s participation in the activities after the banquet but these activities are not mandatory and carry no penalty for not participating.

Games will start Saturday, July 13th and this is a double elimination tournament, simply meaning that after your second loss in the tournament you are eliminated from further play.

Havana's opponent and game time have yet to be posted on the Dixie Youth website but we will have them in next week’s paper along with any updates pertaining to the the Havana AAA All Stars and their upcoming trip to Freeport. In the meantime, we hope that the All Stars have great weather for their practices and that these practices are injury free.